NFT framework for transferring and using digital assets between game platforms

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-11707682-B2
Application number	US-202117472625-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Sep 11, 2021
Priority date	Sep 11, 2021
Publication date	Jul 25, 2023
Grant date	Jul 25, 2023

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for determining that a first end-user entity has performed a task within a computer simulation for which a non-fungible token (NFT) is to be provided, where the NFT is associated with a digital asset. Responsive to the determination, the NFT is provided to the first end-user entity so that the digital asset may be used, via the NFT, across plural different computer simulations and/or across plural different computer simulation platforms. Ownership of the NFT may also be subsequently transferred to other end-user entities for their own use across different simulations and/or platforms.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A system comprising:
at least one server coupled to at least one computer medium via an interface, wherein the computer medium comprises instructions executable by at least one processor to:
identify using one or more devices a task performed by a first end user entity;
associate using one or more devices the task with a first non-fungible token (NFT), the task being performed within at least one computer simulation that is displayed on a display device, the first NFT representing a digital asset comprising at least one video game skill applicable by at least a first simulation to a first simulation implement type and applicable by at least a second simulation to a second simulation implement type different from the first simulation implement type; and
provide the first NFT to a first end-user entity.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first end-user entity comprises plural end-users that act in concert to perform the task.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first end-user entity comprises a single end-user and no other end-users.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the task comprises locating the digital asset within the at least one computer simulation.

5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the task comprises beating or overcoming a particular aspect of the at least one computer simulation.

6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the digital asset comprises one or more of: a video game skin, video game artwork, an avatar, a video game weapon.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are executable to:
one or more of: provide the digital asset to the first end-user entity, maintain the digital asset according to a pointer indicated in the first NFT;
wherein the digital asset is provided and/or maintained in a standardized format.

8. The system of claim 7 , wherein the standardized format is readable to insert the digital asset in different computer simulations, the different computer simulations comprising different video games of different titles.

9. The system of claim 7 , wherein the standardized format is readable via different video game platforms, the different video game platforms comprising PlayStation and Xbox.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the digital asset is usable by the first end-user entity across different video game platforms based on the first end-user entity's ownership of the first NFT.

11. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are executable to:
prevent other end-user entities engaging in other instances of the at least one computer simulation from being provided another NFT for performing the task again by removing the digital asset from a virtual location at which the digital asset would otherwise exist in other instances of the computer simulation that are executed.

12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are executable to:
prevent other end-user entities engaging in other instances of the at least one computer simulation from being provided another NFT for performing the task again by preventing performance of the task again in other instances of the computer simulation that are executed.

13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are executable to:
prevent other end-user entities engaging in other instances of the at least one computer simulation from being provided another NFT for performing the task again by declining to provide additional NFTs for subsequent additional performances of the task.

14. A method, comprising:
determining using one or more devices that a first end-user entity has performed a task for which a non-fungible token (NFT) is to be provided, the task being performed within a first computer simulation, the NFT associated with a digital asset; and
responsive to the determining, providing using one or more devices having at least one network interface, the NFT to the first end-user entity, the NFT indicating use rights of the digital asset by the first end-user entity, the digital asset being usable via the NFT by the first end-user entity across plural different computer simulation platforms, the plural different computer simulation platforms comprising at least first and second platforms from respective first and second manufacturers.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the NFT is a first NFT, and wherein the method comprises:
responsive to the determining, preventing other end-user entities engaging in other instances of the at least one computer simulation from being provided another NFT for performing the task again subsequent to the first end-user entity performing the task.

16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the task comprises being the first to locate a representation of the digital asset within the at least one computer simulation and/or being the first across all instances of execution of the at least one computer simulation to take a particular action within the at least one computer simulation.

17. The method of claim 14 , wherein the at least one computer simulation comprises a cloud-based video game.

18. The method of claim 14 , comprising:
receiving a request from a second end-user entity to use the digital asset in at least one computer simulation, the second end-user entity being different from the first end-user entity;
responsive to receiving the request, verifying via the NFT that the second end-user entity currently holds the use rights for the digital asset; and
responsive to the verifying, permitting use by the second end-user entity of the digital asset in at least one computer simulation.

19. A system comprising:
at least one computer medium that is not a transitory signal and that comprises instructions executable by at least one processor to:
determine using one or more devices that a first end-user entity has performed a task for which a non-fungible token (NFT) is to be provided, the task being performed within a first computer simulation, the NFT associated with a digital asset; and
responsive to the determination, provide using one or more devices and at least one computer network interface configured to communicate with one or more network servers, the NFT to the first end-user entity, the NFT indicating use rights of the digital asset by the first end-user entity, the digital asset being usable via the NFT by the first end-user entity across at least first and second computer simulation platforms made by respective first and second computer simulation console manufacturers.

20. The system of claim 19 , wherein the task comprises a victory in an e-sports tournament, wherein the digital asset is usable via the NFT by the first end-user entity across plural different computer simulations, and wherein the plural different computer simulations comprise one or more of: different annual versions of a particular video game title, different video games of different game genres, different execution instances of the same video game.

Assignees

• Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc

Inventors

• Benedetto Warren
• Yang Yiwei
• Daniel Alvin
• Denison Charles
• Webb Jonathan

Classifications

• A63F13/355

  Performing operations on behalf of clients with restricted processing capabilities, e.g. servers transform changing game scene into an encoded video stream for transmitting to a mobile phone or a thin client · CPC title

• A63F13/58

  by computing conditions of game characters, e.g. stamina, strength, motivation or energy level · CPC title

• A63F13/69 Primary

  by enabling or updating specific game elements, e.g. unlocking hidden features, items, levels or versions · CPC title

• A63F13/79

  involving player-related data, e.g. identities, accounts, preferences or play histories · CPC title

• A63F13/812

  Ball games, e.g. soccer or baseball · CPC title